Everyday Baby Steps

Better Late Than Never

You may remember me telling you about a new six-week journey I'm committing to, called the Inner Mean Girl Cleanse. The goal is tackle one self-defeating habit eah week for six weeks. Guess what? We're on week three of the cleanse. Week three. Guess how much I've participated. None. Nada. Zilch. But, you know what? I refuse to beat myself up over it. That's what the Inner Mean Girl would want me to do. Instead, I've taken some time to go over the two weeks I've missed, contemplating the topics covered.

Gossip Girl

Week one focused on gossip. Gossip is indulging in talking about others when they're not around or spreading information about people that isn't true. It involves bringing people down, rather than building them up. Gossip is often done among friends, about friends, but it's not a very friendly action. I can honestly say that I do tend to gossip quite a bit with my girlfriends. We sometimes do it in the guise of worry or concern, but I imagine that if we were truly concerned, we'd be talking to person, rather than about them.

I see an awful lot of gossip in the online world as well. While I don't often get involved in spreading it, I also don't get very assertive in putting a stop to it, either. I've wasted time in the past reading Twitter streams or blog posts to see what so-and-so said about what's-her-name. Yeah, um, who cares? It probably is better to be oblivious of it all and focus on my own life. This is something I've strived to do over the last several months. I want to be proud of what I'm doing, not worry about what others are doing.

Miss Comparison

Which leads me to the topic of week two of the cleanse - comparison. Oh, comparison is one ugly mother. I don't like her one bit because she has so often been my downfall. Granted, I do feel that I'm in a better place now regarding Miss Comparison, but she still manages to get under my skin sometimes. It's so tempting to want what others have, particularly other women. I've given up lusting over the physical and material things. Now it's career accomplishments and successes that I tend to covet.

I have begun to realize that the majority of successful women I aspire to have worked very hard, are incredibly talented and deserve to be where they are. I use their examples to spur me on toward reaching my own goals, Their accomplishments motivate me when I feel like giving up. That's the real purpose comparison should hold. I intend to use comparison to move me forward and to push me to do more, to want more for myself. And two weeks from today, I'll be in the perfect place to bask in all the glorious motivation of hundreds of beautiful and talented women at the Type-A Mom Conference. I can't wait!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Ramblers Way. All opinions are 100% mine.

I was just introduced to site and their amazing wool products. Rambler's Way creates worsted wool apparel that is said to be so soft that it can be worn directly next to your skin. Rambler's Way grows their own Rambouillet wool on sheep farms in Maine and partner with other ranchers across the country to harvest a sustainable product. They then create and manufacture quality garments in the Carolinas and New England.

The founders of Rambler's Way Farm are the same folks who brought us Tom's of Maine, a well-known brand of personal care products. Based on that knowledge, I'd have no problem trying products from this company. However, I also happen to be a huge worsted wool fan. I currently own a worsted wool jacket I've had for fifteen years, and I don't see myself getting rid of it any time soon!

If I had $200 to spend at Rambler's Way, I'd be one happy mama. Here's what I'd get for my money.

Women's Next-To-Skin Short Sleeve Scoop Neck Top $75

This top is a wardrobe staple. I wear scoop neck white or cream tops under everything - just see this vlog as proof. I'd love to have a soft top like this to wear with my favorite cardigans. People often think wool is scratchy and itchy, but I know that worsted wool can be soft. I'd definitely give this top a try.

Next-To-Skin Cross Neck Long Sleeve Top $85

I'd have to get this top as well, for those cold winter months when I like to dress in layers. I could definitely see myself sitting at my desk, typing at my Mac, with a sweater tied around my waist and the sleeves of this shirt shirt pulled down past my wrists. Love it!

Women's Next-To-Skin Low-Rise Hipster Briefs $40

Yes, I would wear wool underwear. Wool this soft would quite possibly be more comfortable than cotton, and the website promises minimal panty line. How can you go wrong with that?

I'd definitely be interested in learning more about the clothing produced by Rambler's Way. Classic designs from a soft, natural fabric, made in the USA.

The kids went back to school yesterday. Whew! I can't believe how fast this summer went by. In fact, it few by so fast that I neglected to write about one of my favorite summer staples - this dress from IGIGI.

I've written about IGIG before and vowed that I would own one of their dresses one day. I did, indeed, eventually own an IGIGI dress. In fact, I got two to wear to Blissdom last year. (If you click on the link, you'll see that the dress I'm wearing in the photos is from IGIGI.) I love those dresses. They're gorgeous, unique, well-fitting and comfortable.

So when I was given the opportunity to review an IGIGI dress, you know I jumped at the chance. I've worn this beautiful turquoise dress all summer. Here are a couple pictures. The first is from that fabulous day of beauty I wrote about in the spring; the second is on a date with my husband to see the comedian, Carlos Mencia.

But I didn't just wear this dress for special occasions. I wore it for everything. It's made of knit material, so it's casual. It's comfortable and fits like a glove, making it something I could reach for to wear for everything from running to the store to visiting with friends. Not only do I feel physically comfortable in the dress, but it makes me feel emotionally comfortable as well. I'm confident that I look nice in this dress and will wear it anywhere. Just ask my family - they're probably tired of seeing me in it!

So, thank you, IGIGI, for providing me with this gorgeous dress. The packages I've received from IGIGI have always arrived in a timely manner, and I've never been disappointed. If you're a plus sized woman looking for beautiful clothes, don't hesitate to check out IGIGI. There's something to fit  every body shape and most budgets. Be sure to check out their sales for affordable items you'll love.

If you'd like to see another blogger wearing a stupendous dress from IGIGI and hear how it makes her feel, head over to Secret Agent Mama's post for her point of view!

I love babies. I think most of us do. Preparing for a baby is so exciting and such fun. My best friend just had a baby, and she's absolutely adorable. I was happy to be there for my friend, as she prepared to welcome her third child into the world. The only thing I didn't get to do was throw her a baby shower. And I really wanted to. My friend, however, insisted that she didn't NEED anything. Honestly, I don't know how we're such good friends - we're complete opposites. Bless her heart, she had this baby with no drugs. None. At all. In case you can't tell, that's NOT the way I chose to take on labor and delivery!

But she is my best friend, and I love her. If I HAD been able to throw her a baby shower, I would've done these 10 things:

1. Choose the date. Make it most convenient for as many as possible
2. Talk to the mommy about what she'd like in terms of theme, food, location.
3. Book location, if necessary, so there are no surprises down the line.
4. Gather list of family and friends, being sure to check with mom-to-be as to which ones she'd like to attend. Sometimes people get a little too gung-ho about these things when others would like something more intimate.
5. Consider the budget. This should be fun, not stressful.
6. Send gorgeous baby shower invitations, like the ones from Tiny Prints. Here's my favorite. Even though we're opposites, I think Mandy would like it, too, because it's simple and cute. Tiny Prints has so many great designs to choose from. 
7. Think of some fun games. Choose games that break the ice, but don't put anyone on the spot. No one likes those. It might be fun to ask attendees to bring a bit of advice or a small trinket for the guest of honor.
8. Choose food, if not being held at a restaurant. Go with simple things, and have a variety for all tastes and sensitivities.
9. Choose fun, useful favors. Something guests will want to take home.
10. Just have fun! It's easy to get caught up in all the planning and lose sight of the fact that it's a celebration.

 

I do LOVE Tiny Prints. I've written about them before, and I just ordered my business cards from Tiny Prints. Here they are. Aren't they nice?

I've always had good service from Tiny Prints. Can't wait to get these cards!

 

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Tiny Prints blogging program, making me eligible to get a Tiny Prints gift code worth $50, plus 25 FREE Tiny Prints greeting cards-a total gift value of $149.75! For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Do you have an inner mean girl? She's that inner voice who tells you you're not good enough, you're not doing enough, you're not thin enough... For her, it's never enough. She's critical. She holds standards that no one could ever expect to attain. She's bossy. She's just MEAN! Unfortunately, many women possess an inner mean girl. I know I do.

My meanie tells me that I'm not as successful as I should be - in my personal life, my parenting, or my writing. She sneaks in and sabotages my efforts, making me doubt that I can accomplish my goals. She's a real bitch, and I intend to shut her up.

That's why I've signed up as an ambassador for the Inner Mean Girl Cleanse. It's a 40 day program that tackles six self-sabotaging habits and teaches participants to replace them with self love. We'll learn to tackle:

• Comparison
• Judgment
• Gossip
• Expectations
• Obligations
• Fear-Based Media

 

Each week the cleanse will focus on one topic, and I'll be blogging about my progress along the way. The Inner Mean Girl Cleanse kicks off TODAY at 1pm EST with a call-in session with transformational queen, SARK (Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy), author of Succulent Wild Woman, and a fun Twitter party with AMAZING prizes.

Be sure to RSVP for the Twitter party  to be eligible to win the prizes, which include:

• A BlogHer 2011 Full Conference Pass ($198 value)
• A Fall Inner Mean Girl Reform School Ticket ($397 value)
• The Goal Setting for Success eCourse ($179 value)
• and MORE!

 

So will you join me in the cleanse? What would you tell your inner mean girl? Let's do this together!

 

And check out this fun video from Amy and Christine, the founders of the clenase.

 

The CEIVA Connected Digital Photo Frame is an amazing digital frame that does so much. It's much more than just a frame; it's a sharing device that allows you to send pictures from your CEIVA frame to another. You can also receive photos from others who do not have a CEIVA frame. I was sent two frames for review - the CEIVAshare and the CEIVAPro80. Not needing two frames, I sent one to my mom.

The Basics

Because there is so much these frames can do, I'll just start with the basics. Truthfully, I've been holding off on writing this review because I wanted to take the time to really understand all that the CEIVA frames have to offer so that I could do them justice. Unfortunately, I'm not a very technically gifted person, so it's taken me some time just to figure out the basics! Some may consider this a drawback to the CEIVA, but the capabilities of these frames are just so amazing that, in my opinion, understanding just the basics is enough. It is required to purchase a yearly PicturePlan service in order to share photos. You can buy this in combination with your frame purchase for a discounted price.

The frames use your phone line or internet connection to send and receive photos. This capability is what makes these frames so special. For example, I am now able to send pictures to my mom's frame. The pictures are uploaded to the frame each day, as I send new ones, and she's able to view them in her frame and display the photos for others. It's so much better than sharing photos through Facebook or email. Having the frame on a desk or table in your home adds such a personal touch!

How It Works

The frame is easy to set up. I chose to hook mine up through my wi-fi. All I had to do was follow the directions. Even I could do it. I have to admit that there was a learning curve as I began to use my frame. There are several ways to send pictures. You can send them through a Mac or PC uploader on your computer or by mobile uploader on your cell phone. You can email photos to another's frame or invite friends and family to send photos to your frame.  You can also share pictures from your CEIVA account to social networks like Facebook.

My mom and I actually had some trouble sending photos at first. We were trying to email them individually. I could send them to her in this manner, but I wasn't receiving hers. CEIVA customer service is amazing. They walked mom through the quick fix for the problem, and we've been doing great ever since. I send her pictures of the kids and she sends me photos of her and my dad when they go on trips. It's so much fun to receive new photos!

Advanced Features

There are so many things you can do with this device, beyond photo sharing. You can add captions or talk bubbles to your photos. You can even add decorative frames. You can also have information sent to your frame. Yes, I said information. For example, I receive a new "word of the day" on my frame as well as information from Mashable, one of my favorite websites.  Other channels that are available include local weather, ABC News, and a calendar feature. There are so many to choose from! You can also send custom greeting cards to frames as well.

CEIVA frames make the perfect gift for almost anyone on your list. They'd be great for a student going off to college, a grandma or yourself. Yes, you'll definitely want one for yourself! The CEIVAshare costs $127.99, and the CEIVAPro80 sells for $147.99. Each comes with one year's PicturePlan service.

Thank you so much, CEIVA, for allowing me to review these wonderful frames. Mine sits on my desk where I work and brings me pleasure every day.

 

What do you think? Brady's spoon balancing skills are just as good as some of those people on America's Got Talent, right?

Today's the day I've been so excited to share with you. It's the official launch of my OpenSky shop! I've been busy behind the scenes lately looking for just the right products to start out selling. It's been so much fun, but it's also been very time consuming.

This is a totally different process than the reviews I've done in the past. Ordinarily, a company representative emails me and asks if I'd like to do a review on my blog. I check out the product, and if it looks like something I'd like, I agree to review the product. Now that I've got my own shop, I feel a real responsibility to ensure that I love the products I add to it. These are products I'm asking my readers and friends to consider purchasing. I want to be absolutely certain the products I choose are quality and are something I can stand behind. And guess what? I'm thrilled to share with you some amazing things I just really fell in love with, especially after getting in touch with the suppliers behind the products!

Without further ado, here is the unveiling of my very first products and a bit about the suppliers behind them!

Elli and Friends

Elli and Friends is an amazing handbag company founded by two friends from the Chicago area. Cathy and Regina are two best friends who decided to start a business that allowed them to express their creativity while contributing to their family's income. The name Elli and Friends was born by combining the two women's maiden names, coming up with Elli. They wanted to pay tribute to their mothers who taught them they could do anything and were pioneers in their own industries. They added the Friends part because their own friends helped them to launch their business.

I will be selling two of my favorite bags from Elli and Friend's inventory. They are:

The Bold and Beautiful Bag

The Life's a Beach Giraffe Tote

Aren't these bags just beautiful? I think every woman, especially moms, should have a unique, useful bag that makes her feel great, as well as makes her life easier. The two definitely fit the bill! I'll be reviewing each in depth in later posts.

Motherhood With Attitude

This company was also created by two women. Janalee and Tiffany are a writer and an artist, in addition to being moms, and they were tired of all the fru fru mom products they were seeing on the market. They wanted to create cards and inspirational products for moms that were fun and relatable, and that's exactly what they did! Check out these awesome products. They'll put a smile on your face, and you'll want to share them with all the important moms in your life.

You Are Magic Magnet

Shopping List Notepad

There you have it - my favorite items from my shop! Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have about any of them, and I'll be happy to answer them for you. Remember, OpenSky has a 365 day return policy. That's right. If you're unsatisfied for any reason, you can return your product for a whole year!

Even better, from now until August 16th, you'll get a 25% discount on anything you buy. Just use the code EXCITE25 at checkout!

Please consider buying something from my shop. I will get a small percentage of any item purchased, and the women behind these fabulous companies will also be supported. You'll be getting a product that will make you smile every time you use it.

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with Candace Cameron recently. The star of the long-running Full House is all grown up now, and she's absolutely lovely, both inside and out. She's married and has three children. Here's a picture of her beautiful family.

We talked about her life as a mom, how she stays in shape and keeps her family healthy, as well as about her ABC Family show, Make It Or Break It. I learned quite a bit about how she balances a busy career with being a mom. I hope you'll take some time to enjoy our interview.

 

See that countdown clock over there in the sidebar? Have you wondered what it's all about? Well, I get to spill the beans now, and I"m truly excited to be able to share. I have signed up to work with The OpenSky Project to begin selling items here at Everyday Baby Steps. Wait, no, don't go away - I'm not going to try to sell you anything or use any smarmy, pushy sales techniques. This partnership isn't anything like that. The OpenSky Project is a new, revolutionary way of shopping that's good for small business, good for people who love to share new products with their friends and good for the consumer.

True Business Professionals Behind the Concept

Think this sounds too good to be true? It's not. Many of you who may be bloggers or who spend a lot of time online may already be familiar with OpenSky. Before deciding to partner with them, I had seen my bloggy friends opening their own OpenSky shops and was very curious. So I started to follow them a bit on Twitter. When I did, I realized that Ted Rubin, formerly or e.l.f., was involved with the project as their social media specialist. Well, I happen to have tweeted with Ted quite a bit and worked with him on my e.l.f. Makeup At Home party. He's a businessman who's earned my respect, so I knew I wanted to learn more.

Retail That's Relationship Driven

What I learned is that The OpenSky Project is an online shopping platform that is relationship driven. What that means is that OpenSky partners with people, mostly bloggers, to sell products that these people hand choose and that they stand behind. It's a free service for sellers, who receive a 50% share of the sales. We've all seen affiliate marketing, and many people have become successful with it. I'm no sales person though, and my ADD doesn't allow me to track down all the products, sign up for each affiliate network and attempt to track sales, all while still blogging and maintaining my freelance business. This is where I think OpenSky is different.

A Boutique One-Stop Shop

OpenSky allows sellers to hand-pick the items they sell. Sellers are able to form relationships with the suppliers, who are mostly small business owners themselves, and to share them with their readers and followers. It's like owning your own little boutique, without the costs of retail space or overhead. Genius! While I've joined kind of late in the game and am just now beginning to choose my shop's products, I envision being able to offer the best in affordable, high-quality beauty supplies, health accessories, fashion apparel and innovative items to make a mom's life easier. My shop will be run on the same philosophy as my blog - I will share what I feel is meaningful and helpful for moms.

My Motivation and More About OpenSky

This is not a get-rich-quick endeavor. Like anything else, you get out of it what you put in. My motivation for joining OpenSky was to become part of something I could get behind, to continue branching out as a business woman. It's taken me about two years of working online to finally begin to see myself as a true business woman. Working with OpenSky will allow me to pursue another avenue for learning and for helping to provide for my family. I encourage you to take a look at this segment on Good Morning America, featuring OpenSky, to get an idea of what individuals are getting out of their experience with OpenSky. (The seller on this segment is Sarah Mae. Take a look at her shop - she's so wonderful!) Visit the OpenSky website to learn more.

Something Exciting Is Coming

This really is very exciting. I can't wait to share more with you. Look for my shop to open August 10th! Visit this page to sign up for updates on The OpenSky Project and for your chance to win a secret prize!

 

 

I was so fortunate to be able to participate in a great campaign with CollectiveBias and Elmer's. Elmer's is conducting a fabulous program right now to donate school supplies to kids in need. As a way of spreading the word, they've partnered with a number of bloggers to allow them to shop for school supplies for their kids and kids in their local communities. I was given $100 to shop at Walmart for school stuff for my kids as well as to donate a backpack full of supplies to a local student. Norah and I had a blast shopping. Her big brother was away at Boy Scout camp and missed out on all the fun. We ended up with a bunch of great stuff. Prices were so low! Check out our Whrrl story below to see what we got. When Noah gets back, we'll be dropping the backpack off at their school to be given to a child who needs it. Thank you so much, Elmer's and Collective Bias! And you can help provide school supplies to kids who need them, too. I"ll tell you how in my next post.

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